Rev. Thomas Harper
Pastor
Thomas@fumcquitman.org
My name is Rev. Thomas Harper, and I grew up in Houston Texas where I attended Chapelwood United Methodist. I received my undergraduate degree in personal communications from Texas Christian University and the University of Houston. Later I went on to serve as a youth pastor for that same church for 9 years.
During that time, I received my calling into ordained ministry and met my wife Ginny. After one year of marriage, we moved to Dallas so that I could get my Masters of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology. My first appointment as an Elder was at St. Luke’s UMC in Houston where I served there as an associate pastor for 5 years. During that time I worked in Young Adult, small groups, caring, and prayer ministries.
In 2020 I was appointed as the pastor of St. Luke’s UMC in Bryan, Tx where I served for three and a half years. This is my third official appointment as an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. I am a father of two daughters and am passionate about Jesus Christ. I love God, theology, sports, and gaming. If you are looking for a faith community that is active in discipleship, faith formation, and missional outreach I would love to meet with you and do life and ministry together.
Sam Scroggins
Director of Operations
Sam@fumcquitman.org
Sam joined the FUMC staff in December 2014. His primary job is to provide administrative assistance to the pastor along with a variety of operational responsibilities, including managing our website, computer and communications infrastructure, audio & video systems, and other odds and ends.
Sam and his wife, Martha, relocated from Dallas to their home on Lake Winnsboro in 2004.
Pamela VanPelt
Church Secretary
Office@fumcquitman.org
Pamela joined FUMC as Church Secretary in January 2026. She oversees the Church’s day-to-day office operations and serves as editor of The Messenger Newsletter. She is the voice that normally answers the Church telephone during office hours.
Charles Sawyer
Financial Secretary
Charles@fumcquitman.org
Charles joined our staff in January 2025. As Financial Secretary he is responsible for accounts payable, payroll, financial reports and account reconciliations. Although his hours are flexible, he’s usually in the office Monday and Wednesday mornings.
Charles holds a BBA in Accounting from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Texas CPA certificate. He served as the Manager of Income Taxes for Braniff International Airlines, owned several businesses including PeoplePay Payroll, Inc., and has practiced public accouning for several years.
Gail Mabry Hall
Choir Director/Organist
Gail@fumcquitman.org
Gail originally joined FUMC Quitman in July 2019 as pianist/organist. She was named Choir Director in June 2024 and became the Director of the J.O.Y. Ringers Bell Choir in 2025.
While holding a Bachelor of Music degree from UT Arlington and a Master of Music degree from East Texas State University in piano performance and pedagogy, Gail has previously served as organist/choir director for numerous churches from the Dallas area and Tyler since 1971. She also maintains a private piano studio in Mineola.
Pete O’Neal
Media Coordinator
Pete@fumcquitman.org
Pete joined the FUMC staff as the Media Coordinator in March 2022. He has an Associates Degree in Journalism and Radio/TV from Tyler Junior College and a BA Degree with a concentration in Filmmaking and minor in Mass Communication from Stephen F. Austin State University. He currently serves as Quitman ISD Boys Athletic Video Coordinator for Football, Basketball, and Baseball.
Pete has long been involved in our church through helping and serving in sound/video as well as a volunteer with our youth. He looks forward to helping move our church media forward into the next phase.
Judy Johnson
Volunteer Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Judy@fumcquitman.org
Judy joined the FUMC staff as Volunteer Children’s Coordinator in June 2025. Her responsibilities include organizing the curriculum for the children’s Sunday School Teachers, directing VBS, and teaching the Wednesday Night Live program for children.
Judy is a Methodist preacher’s kid with a passion for working with children. She is especially excited to be going to Lakeview church camp this summer with our kids.
Judy is a retired educator who spent 44 years in the area of Special Education. She received her BS in Elementary Education and her MS in Educational Diagnostician from West Texas State University in Canyon. Her hobbies are singing in the North East Texas Choral Society, gardening, cooking, and Scouting. Judy is also a member of FUMC’s JOY Singers and JOY Ringers.
Raelyn Peek-Garza
Contemporary Service Leader
raelynpeek@gmail.com
Raelyn Peek-Garza became leader of the new Ignite Contemporary Service when it was initiated in September 2025. She holds a degree from the University of Texas at Austin, along with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Tarleton State University. Currently, She serves as a Mental Health Outreach Specialist for a local nonprofit organization.
Raelyn and her husband are proud parents to two dogs and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child, a daughter, in December!
First United Methodist Church of Quitman has been Raelyn’s home church throughout her life. In her own words, “Some of my fondest memories have been shaped here, especially during my time in youth ministry. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in various roles within the church, and I’m excited to step into the position of leading our new contemporary service, Ignite.”
Outside of her professional and church life, Raelyn enjoys crocheting, reading, and spending quality time with her dogs.
Ben Burroughs
Volunteer Youth Ministry Coordinator
Ben@fumcquitman.org
Ben Burroughs stepped up as FUMC’s Volunteer Youth Ministry Coordinator in the summer of 2025. He brings a passion for connecting with young people, rooted in both his life experiences and his walk with Christ.
Ben grew up in Quitman and is a long-time member of FUMC. After graduating from Quitman High, Ben played college baseball for five years—two years in Kansas and three years at East Texas Baptist University (ETBU), where he completed his undergraduate degree in Business Administration. He is currently continuing his education at ETBU, pursuing a graduate degree in Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurship. He is also working towards becoming a fireman.
Ben believes that his role with the Youth Ministry isn’t just a chance to lead—it’s a chance to walk alongside students. He believes that he can learn from them just as much as they can learn from him. He is excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve.
